Sebaceous Glands, Sebum & What Causes Acne By Heather Brannon, MD Updated July 12, 2016 Sebaceous glands are part of the pilosebaceous unit , which contains the hair follicle , hair shaft and erector pili muscles, the muscles that contract and cause goosebumps. Pilosebaceous units are found everywhere on the body except the palms of the hands, the tops and soles of the feet, and the lower lip. There is a greater concentration of pilosebaceous units on the face, scalp, upper neck and chest. Sebaceous Gland Functions The sebaceous glands produce a substance called sebum : a waxy, oily substance comprised of triglycerides, wax, squalene and free fatty acids. Sebum keeps the skin and hair moisturized. It acts as a waterproofing substance and prevents hair and skin from becoming dry and brittle. Additionally, it inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the skin. The sebaceous glands are typically producing the right amount of sebum in order to keep the skin and hair healthy and moisturized, but sometimes they don't work as expected.

For example, sebum production starts to slow down around age 20. If the sebaceous glands aren't producing enough sebum, the skin becomes dry, which is why dry skin is a part of aging. Conversely, the hormonal changes that occur during puberty cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. This overproduction of sebum combined with the shedding of dead skin cells can clog the hair follicle and produce oily skin, known as seborrhea. Acne can develop when sebum becomes trapped inside the hair follicle, which is why acne and puberty go hand in hand. Sebum can also cause hair to appear greasy if it hasn't been washed for a few days. The eyelids have their own type of sebaceous glands: meibomian glands. These glands secrete a particular kind of sebum into tears. When these tears accumulate, they produce mucopurulent discharge, which is the dry substance found in the inner corners of the eyes after periods of sleep. How Acne Develops Our pores are self-cleaning machines. They already do a good job of constantly clearing out dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

But when this self-cleaning process doesn't work as it should, all of that dirt becomes trapped inside. Sebum provides the skin and hair with moisture by moving up the hair shaft and out of the hair follicle opening. Sometimes sebum acts like glue and sticks to the dead skin cells that are in the process of shedding. The sebum and dead skin cells stick together and block the hair shaft, but the sebaceous gland keeps producing sebum and creates a blockage. The blockage allows bacteria to thrive and the immune system responds by forming a pimple filled with pus, which is a combination of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The pimple becomes red and inflamed as the immune system attacks the bacteria and heals the skin tissue. Source: Boundless. “Sebaceous (Oil) Glands.” Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. Boundless, 21 Jul. 2015. Retrieved 20 Jan.

2016 from Continue Reading 15 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Sebaceous Cyst 15 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Sebaceous Cyst September 21, 2016 Incnut Incnut Incnut 15 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Sebaceous Cyst Kushneet Kukreja September 21, 2016 When sebaceous cysts develop on the body, they can turn out to be the absolute source of annoyance. Are you suffering from a sebaceous cyst? Do they keep recurring leaving you in pain? These cysts are harmless most of the times, but sometimes, they can get serious. So, why are these cysts caused and how can you treat them? This post has all the answers for you. Read on to know more. What Are Sebaceous Cysts? A sebaceous cyst is a bump that forms beneath the skin surface and contains a foul-smelling, yellowish, oily liquid. These bumps may also be painful, and the area affected by them can get swollen. They can be both small and large ( 1 ).

While the cysts are not exactly harmful or there is no possibility of these causing any long-term damage, they can be sources of annoyance and inconvenience. Sebaceous cysts can happen both to women and men from various age groups. However, men are more prone to it as they have comparatively more body hair than women. While the cysts are common to affect teens and adolescents, adults can also be subjected to them. [ Read: Home Remedies For Swollen Feet ] Home Remedies For Sebaceous Cyst Removal As it is, sebaceous cysts form suddenly, and in most cases, they dissipate on their own, without much medical intervention. Some people simply choose to ignore them until they disappear. However, when the cysts cause pain and swelling of the skin, they should no longer be ignored. Below listed are 15 tried and tested home remedies for sebaceous cysts removal. What You Have To Do Apply tea tree oil directly on the cysts and leave it on. How Often Should You Do This Reapply twice or thrice a day, especially for large cysts. Why This Works Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties ( 2 ).

It will clear the infection causing the liquid accumulation and swelling. This essential oil is commonly used for treating a number of skin-related ailments, such as acne and warts. What You Have To Do Apply apple cider vinegar to the cyst using the cotton ball. How Often Should You Do This Repeat this twice a day. Why This Works Apple cider vinegar is not only good for hair health, it can also be beneficial for getting rid of annoying cysts on the skin. It has antibacterial and antifungal qualities that help heal a cyst. It also acts as an astringent ( 3 , 4 ). Caution If you have very sensitive skin, dilute the vinegar with some water and then apply it to the cysts. What You Have To Do Gently massage a few drops of the castor oil directly on the sebaceous cyst. Soak the cotton cloth in the warm water and wring out the excess water. Place this on the cyst for 10 to 15 minutes. How Often Should You Do This Do this twice daily. Why This Works Castor oil is used for various skin ailments, and it is also regarded as one of the most effective remedies for sebaceous cysts.

It heals the cysts and also reduces soreness as it possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties ( 5 ). What You Have To Do Grate the potato and squeeze out the juice. Apply this on the affected area and leave it on overnight. You can also place a potato slice on the cyst, cover it with a washcloth, and leave it on overnight. How Often Should You Do This Repeat this every night before going to bed until the sebaceous cyst heals. Why This Works The glycoalkaloids of potato possess anti-inflammatory properties ( 6 ). Its antimicrobial property can be attributed to its protease inhibitors ( 7 ). This is an easy, effective, and natural solution for sebaceous cyst removal. What You Have To Do Apply this directly on the sebaceous cyst and let it air dry. How Often Should You Do This Apply three to four times in a day. Why This Works Witch hazel is known for its excellent astringent properties, and it can cleanse the skin of most impurities. It contains tannin, which helps eliminate excess oil from the skin surface and stops the clogging of sebaceous glands ( 8 ).

What You Have To Do Make a thick paste by mixing enough water with the turmeric. Apply this on the sebaceous cyst and let it dry. Rinse it off after an hour or so. You may also consume turmeric internally to get more benefits out of this versatile spice. Simply mix a teaspoon of it in a cup of warm milk and drink before going to bed. How Often Should You Do This Apply the turmeric paste twice daily. Why This Works The commonplace cooking ingredient found in every kitchen can be your savior for eradicating those ugly sebaceous cysts. Curcumin, one of the primary substances found in turmeric, helps you cope with skin inflammation and infection. Turmeric has a purifying effect on blood and works on clogged skin pores that lead to the cyst development ( 9 ). Clean cloth What You Have To Do Use clean and warm water for this purpose. It should not be very hot or boiling as such. Dip a clean cotton ball in it and apply the warm cotton ball to the cysts. Hold it for a few seconds. How Often Should You Do This This can be done several times a day.

Why This Works A hot compress is not only meant for reducing pain in joints or treat backache, but it can also be used for eliminating sebaceous cysts. The warmth helps in reducing the pain caused by soreness. It will help the cyst drain and heal ( 10 ). What You Have To Do Cut the leaf open to extract the gel. Apply this directly on the cyst and leave it on for a few hours. Rinse this away before reapplying the gel. How Often Should You Do This Apply twice a day. Why This Works Aloe vera is a herb with natural healing and antibacterial properties. It has been used for ages to treat several skin-related problems in people. When you apply the gel, it will cool and soothe the inflamed regions effectively ( 11 ). What You Have To Do Fill the bathtub with warm water and add Epsom salt to it. Soak in this water for about 15 minutes. You can use a small basin or bucket to soak only the sebaceous cyst area. How Often Should You Do This Soak twice a day so that the sebaceous cyst drains and heals by itself.

Why This Works What You Have To Do Apply this directly on the cyst and leave it on. How Often Should You Do This Repeat twice or thrice a day. Why This Works This chemical is commonly used in dentistry as an antiseptic agent. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties will clear out the infected sebaceous gland and ensure quick healing ( 13 , 14 ). 11. Garlic For Sebaceous Cyst Image: Shutterstock Bandage What You Have To Do Peel the garlic cloves and grind them with a little water to get a thick paste. Apply this on the sebaceous cyst and cover with the bandage. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove the bandage. Rinse the area with clean water. How Often Should You Do This Do this three to four times in a day, and use a fresh bandage every time. Why This Works We are all well aware of the wide-range antimicrobial property of garlic. Be it a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection that has caused the skin inflammation and pus accumulation, garlic will kill the microbes effectively ( 15 ).

What You Have To Do Soak the cotton ball in the hydrogen peroxide and place it on the sebaceous cyst. Hold it in place for a few minutes and then remove. Do not rinse off the hydrogen peroxide. How Often Should You Do This Repeat this twice or thrice daily. Why This Works Topical application of hydrogen peroxide kills the microbes causing the cyst and will heal the annoying bump quickly ( 16 ). What You Have To Do Mix the essential oil with the olive oil and apply on the affected area. Leave it on. How Often Should You Do This Do this thrice a day. Why This Works The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of this essential oil make it a suitable home remedy for sebaceous cysts. It is also analgesic in nature and will relieve the pain you may experiencing at the affected site ( 17 , 18 ). Caution Always use a diluted version of this oil. Pregnant women and children must consult their doctor before using it. Bandage What You Have To Do Apply just one drop of the extract on the cyst and let it get absorbed for a minute or two. Wipe off the excess and cover with the bandage.

How Often Should You Do This Repeat twice a day. Why This Works A minute quantity of this home remedy is enough to kill the microbes. Its antimicrobial activity has been established against many bacteria and fungi ( 19 ). 15. Coconut Oil For Sebaceous Cyst Image: Shutterstock What You Have To Do Apply the oil on the cyst and leave it on. How Often Should You Do This Repeat every few hours until the cyst is healed. Why This Works The lauric acid present in coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil is also an emollient and will soothe the inflamed and irritated skin ( 20 , 21 ). [ Read: Home Remedies To Treat Pharyngitis ] Use these remedies before the sebaceous cyst aggravates and starts causing a lot of pain. You can also prevent the cyst from getting infected by using these home remedies. Let us now take a look at a few frequently asked questions. FAQs 1. What are the causes of sebaceous cysts? When the sebaceous glands get clogged, it results in a sebaceous cyst.

The major causes of this are listed below: Swollen hair follicles Surge in testosterone generation in the body Rise in sebum production Shaving or waxing ( 1 ) 2. What are the symptoms of sebaceous cyst? In the initial stages, the sebaceous cyst is just a simple, non-painful, and small lump under the skin. As it progresses, the following symptoms develop: Tenderness/soreness in and around the area The skin becomes red, inflamed, and swollen A foul-smelling liquid that looks like cheese starts oozing out The affected area is warmer than the rest of the body ( 1 ) 3. Where do sebaceous cysts occur? These cysts can affect numerous parts of your body, including the breasts, face, neck, and genitals. They tend to grow more on the hairy areas of the body. 4. How long does it take for an infected sebaceous cyst to heal? Sometimes, a sebaceous cyst can very conveniently be left alone, and it will heal by itself. But when it gets infected, treatment is mandatory to curb the infection. Using home remedies is a natural and safe option for this.

It can take up to two to three weeks for the cyst to heal completely. 5. What to do when an infected sebaceous cyst bursts? A ruptured sebaceous cyst can lead to a boil-like infection, which would require immediate treatment. Consult your doctor immediately if the wound looks deep and doesn’t stop oozing. 6. Dos & Don’ts As the old saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’, it holds true for sebaceous cysts too. At times, they can appear unpredictably owing to hormonal imbalances in the body. However, you can thwart the recurrences or reduce them to an extent. To prevent these cysts from occurring and recurring on skin, you need to understand the root factors well. The cysts are mostly caused when the skin pores get clogged by sebum. It is necessary to keep the skin clean and free of germs and ensure excess sebum is not produced in the body. You can Eat fresh produce, preferably organic ones to keep the blood clean. Take adequate rest and avoid staying up late in the nights as far as you can. Drink lots of water so that the toxins do not get stored in the body.

Use antibiotic soaps and talc to kill germs that can lead to skin anomalies. Try to evade stress as much as possible. Common treatment options for these cysts include homeopathy, puncturing, and surgery in rare cases. However, it is much better to treat the cysts with the effective and proven home remedies listed above. This is all about the sebaceous cyst home remedies that are simple, yet effective. How has this post helped you? Please tell us by commenting in the box below! Recommended Articles: What Are Epidermoid and Sebaceous Cysts? Guide What Are Epidermoid and Sebaceous Cysts? Many people often call any small, painless lump under the skin " sebaceous cysts ." But those are most often "epidermoid cysts." Sebaceous cysts are much less common and affect the sebaceous glands, the oil glands in the skin. Epidermoid cysts can be made up of a protein called keratin and fat. They usually appear on the face, neck, or upper body, especially the chest and shoulders. They erupt for many reasons, most often because of acne or mild skin injuries.

(When they are formed because of swelling around hair follicles, they are called pilar cysts.) Epidermoid cysts are usually small, from a few millimeters to about 5 centimeters across, and they grow slowly. They are more common in men than in women. Does it hurt? The cyst itself usually doesn't hurt, but it can become tender, sore, and red if it gets infected. If it pops, the cyst might ooze and smell bad. Is it dangerous? No. Epidermoid cysts are harmless and are almost never linked with cancer . If you're worried that it will grow into something more dangerous, check with your doctor to make sure it's not another type of skin problem . Do I have to have it removed? Not always. Sometimes, smaller epidermoid cysts go away on their own, or can be treated with warm compresses. Even if a cyst gets infected, a doctor (usually a dermatologist) can sometimes treat it by injecting it with steroids . But if a cyst bothers you for any reason, you can see a doctor to have it removed. How is an epidermoid cyst removed? Your doctor may use antibiotics to reduce swelling.

Then, after the swelling has eased, he can remove it. Getting an epidermoid cyst removed is simple. Your doctor will probably numb your skin with local anesthesia, then make a very small cut in the surface of the cyst. He applies firm pressure to squeeze out all of the contents of the cyst or uses a scissors to cut around the cyst to remove the entire sac wall. Be forewarned: Some of that bad-smelling pus inside the cyst may splatter around as it’s draining. Continued After the doctor is finished, he will close the cut with a small stitch or layered closure if the sac wall was removed. If any of the cyst wall is left behind, it can grow back again. If that happens, the doctor may suggest you have another surgery. Can I pop an epidermoid cyst myself? You might be tempted to try to pop and drain an epidermoid cyst on your own, but this isn't a good idea. First, if the cyst is infected, the infection could spread if the cyst ruptures and drains beneath the skin. Second, if any of the cyst’s sac is left behind, it could grow back. If the cyst doesn't bother you, it’s fine to leave it alone.

If it seems to be infected, is uncomfortable, or you don't like the way it looks, it’s best to have it checked by a doctor. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on September 16, 2015 Sources Questions and Answers About Acne Online version updated September 2016 Questions and Answers about Acne This publication contains general information about acne. It describes what acne is and how it develops, the causes of acne, and the treatment options for various forms of acne. Information is also provided on caring for the skin. If you have further questions after reading this publication, you may wish to discuss them with your doctor. What Is Acne? Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) and hair follicles. These factors lead to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Although acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring. Types of Lesions How Does Acne Develop?

Doctors describe acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs). Found over most of the body, pilosebaceous units consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, which contains a fine hair (see illustration “ Normal Pilosebaceous Unit ”). These units are most numerous on the face, upper back, and chest. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle, commonly called a pore. Cells called keratinocytes line the follicle. Normal Pilosebaceous Unit The hair, sebum, and keratinocytes that fill the narrow follicle may produce a plug, which is an early sign of acne. The plug prevents sebum from reaching the surface of the skin through a pore. The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin to grow in the plugged follicles. These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes and attract white blood cells that cause inflammation.

(Inflammation is a characteristic reaction of tissues to disease or injury and is marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.) When the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills everything into the nearby skin—sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria—leading to lesions or pimples. People with acne frequently have a variety of lesions, some of which are shown in the illustrations below. The basic acne lesion, called the comedo (KOM-e-do), is simply an enlarged and plugged hair follicle. If the comedo stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedo and produces a white bump called a whitehead. A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called an open comedo or blackhead because it looks black on the skin’s surface. This black discoloration is due to changes in sebum as it is exposed to air. It is not due to dirt. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time. Types of Lesions Other troublesome acne lesions can develop, including the following: Papules. Inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch.

Pustules (pimples). Papules topped by white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base. Nodules. Large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin. Cysts. Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring. What Causes Acne? The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne. Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder. Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.

Factors That Can Make Acne Worse Factors that can cause an acne flare include: changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats) pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity squeezing or picking at blemishes hard scrubbing of the skin stress. Myths About the Causes of Acne There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but research suggests that for people who have acne, stress can make it worse. Who Gets Acne? People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. An estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point.

For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem. How Is Acne Treated? Acne is often treated by dermatologists, who are doctors who specialize in skin problems. These doctors treat all kinds of acne, particularly severe cases. Doctors who are general or family practitioners, pediatricians, or internists may treat patients with milder cases of acne. The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this disease. Drug treatment 1 is aimed at reducing several problems that play a part in causing acne: abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles increased oil production bacteria inflammation. 1 All medicines can have side effects. Some side effects may be more severe than others. You should review the package insert that comes with your medicine and ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about the possible side effects. Depending on the extent of the problem, the doctor may recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and/or prescription medicines.

Some of these medicines may be topical (applied to the skin), and others may be oral (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using more than one topical medicine or combining oral and topical medicines. Treatment for Blackheads, Whiteheads, and Mild Inflammatory Acne Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical medicine for people with mild signs of acne. Topical medicine is applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin. There are several OTC topical medicines used for mild acne. Each works a little differently. Following are some of the most common ones: Benzoyl peroxide. Kills P. acnes, and may also reduce oil production Resorcinol. Can help break down blackheads and whiteheads Salicylic acid. Helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles Sulfur. Helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Topical OTC medicines are available in many forms, such as gels, lotions, creams, soaps, or pads.

In some people, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness, which often get better or go away with continued use of the medicine. If you experience severe or prolonged side effects, you should report them to your doctor. OTC topical medicines are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly; however, it may take up to 8 weeks before you see noticeable improvement. Treatment for Moderate-to-Severe Inflammatory Acne People with moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral medicines, alone or in combination. Prescription Topical Medicines Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to treat acne. They include: Antibiotics. Help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids). Unplug existing comedones (plural of comedo), allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. Some may also help decrease the formation of comedones. These drugs contain an altered form of vitamin A. Some mild forms of retinoids are available without a prescription. Others. May destroy P. acnes and reduce oil production or help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Like OTC topical medicines, prescription topical medicines come as creams, lotions, solutions, gels, or pads. Your doctor will consider your skin type when prescribing a product. Creams and lotions provide moisture and tend to be good choices for people with sensitive skin. If you have very oily skin or live in a hot, humid climate, you may prefer an alcohol-based gel or solution, which tends to dry the skin. Your doctor will tell you how to apply the medicine and how often to use it. For some people, prescription topical medicines cause minor side effects including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. With some medicines, these side effects usually decrease or go away after the medicine is used for a period of time. If side effects are severe or don’t go away, notify your doctor. Prescription Oral Medicines For patients with moderate-to-severe acne, doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Prescription oral and topical medicines may be combined. Common antibiotics used to treat acne are tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline.

Other oral medicines less commonly used are clindamycin, erythromycin, or sulfonamides. Some people taking these antibiotics have side effects, such as an upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and increased tendency to sunburn. Because tetracyclines may affect tooth and bone formation in fetuses and young children, these drugs are not given to pregnant women or children under age 14. There is some concern, although it has not been proven, that tetracycline and minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, a backup or another form of birth control may be needed. Prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Treatment for Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne People with nodules or cysts should be treated by a dermatologist. For patients with severe inflammatory acne that does not improve with medicines such as those described above, a doctor may prescribe isotretinoin, a retinoid (vitamin A derivative). Isotretinoin is an oral drug that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks.

It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that much less oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased. Advantages of Isotretinoin Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine that can help prevent scarring. After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with isotretinoin, acne completely or almost completely goes away in most patients. In those patients where acne recurs after a course of isotretinoin, the doctor may institute another course of the same treatment or prescribe other medicines. Disadvantages of Isotretinoin Isotretinoin can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. It is important that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. Women must use two separate effective forms of birth control at the same time for 1 month before treatment begins, during the entire course of treatment, and for 1 full month after stopping the drug. You should ask your doctor when it is safe to get pregnant after you have stopped taking isotretinoin. Some people with acne become depressed by the changes in the appearance of their skin.

Changes in mood may be intensified during treatment or soon after completing a course of medicines like isotretinoin. There have been a number of reported suicides and suicide attempts in people taking isotretinoin; however, the connection between isotretinoin and suicide or depression is not known. Nevertheless, if you or someone you know feels unusually sad or has other symptoms of depression, such as loss of appetite, loss of interest in once-loved activities, or trouble concentrating, it’s important to consult your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of isotretinoin. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website 2 . To determine if isotretinoin should be stopped if side effects occur, your doctor may test your blood before you start treatment and periodically during treatment. Side effects usually go away after the medicine is stopped. 2 For updates and for any questions about any medications you are taking, please contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll free at 888–INFO–FDA (888–463–6332) or visit its website at . For additional information on specific medications, visit Drugs@FDA at .

Drugs@FDA is a searchable catalog of FDA-approved drug products. Treatments for Hormonally Influenced Acne in Women In some women, acne is caused by an excess of androgen (male) hormones. Clues that this may be the case include hirsutism (excessive growth of hair on the face or body), premenstrual acne flares, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated blood levels of certain androgens. The doctor may prescribe one of several drugs to treat women with this type of acne: Birth control pills. To help suppress the androgen produced by the ovaries Low-dose corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone or dexamethasone. To help suppress the androgen produced by the adrenal glands Antiandrogen drugs such as spironolactone. To reduce the excessive oil production. Other Treatments for Acne Doctors may use other types of procedures in addition to drug therapy to treat patients with acne. For example, the doctor may remove the patient’s comedones during office visits. Sometimes the doctor will inject corticosteroids directly into lesions to help reduce the size and pain of inflamed cysts and nodules. Early treatment is the best way to prevent acne scars.

Once scarring has occurred, the doctor may suggest a medical or surgical procedure to help reduce the scars. A superficial laser may be used to treat irregular scars. Dermabrasion (or microdermabrasion), which is a form of “sanding down” scars, is sometimes used. Another treatment option for deep scars caused by cystic acne is the transfer of fat from another part of the body to the scar. A doctor may also inject a synthetic filling material under the scar to improve its appearance. How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin? Clean Skin Gently If you have acne, you should gently wash your face with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening, as well as after heavy exercise. Wash your face from under the jaw to the hairline and be sure to thoroughly rinse your skin. Ask your doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use. Using strong soaps or rough scrub pads is not helpful and can actually make the problem worse. Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots. It is also important to shampoo your hair regularly.

If you have oily hair, you may want to wash it every day. Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin Avoid rubbing and touching skin lesions. Squeezing, pinching or picking blemishes can lead to the development of scars or dark blotches. Shave Carefully Test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. When using a safety razor, make sure the blade is sharp and soften the hair thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Shave gently and only when necessary to reduce the risk of nicking blemishes. Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan Many of the medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn. A sunburn that reddens the skin or suntan that darkens the skin may make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier. However, these benefits are only temporary, and there are known risks of excessive sun exposure, such as more rapid skin aging and a risk of developing skin cancer. Choose Cosmetics Carefully While undergoing acne treatment, you may need to change some of the cosmetics you use. All cosmetics and hair-care products should be oil free. Choose products labeled noncomedogenic (meaning they don’t promote the formation of closed pores).

In some people, however, even these products may make acne worse. For the first few weeks of treatment, applying foundation evenly may be difficult because the skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. What Research Is Being Conducted on Acne? Medical researchers are looking for new drugs to treat acne to replace some of those in current use. As with many other types of bacterial infections, doctors are finding that, over time, the bacteria that are associated with acne are becoming resistant to treatment with certain antibiotics, though it is not clear how significant a problem this resistance represents. Researchers are studying the skin microbial community to understand its association with acne. Some researchers are trying to identify probiotics to treat acne-affected skin. Scientists are also trying to better understand the mechanisms involved in acne so that they can develop new treatments that work on those mechanisms. For example, one group of NIAMS-supported researchers is studying the mechanisms that regulate the development of the sebaceous glands. Another group is trying to understand how P. acnes activates the immune system in order to identify possible immunologic interventions.

Other areas of NIH-supported research involve exploring the role of the innate (primitive) immune system in the development of acne. More information on research is available from the following websites: NIH Clinical Research Trials and You was designed to help people learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate. Visitors to the website will find information about the basics of participating in a clinical trial, first-hand stories from clinical trial volunteers, explanations from researchers, and links on how to search for a trial or enroll in a research-matching program. ClinicalTrials.gov offers up-to-date information for locating federally and privately supported clinical trials for a wide range of diseases and conditions. NIH RePORTER is an electronic tool that allows users to search a repository of both intramural and extramural NIH-funded research projects from the past 25 years and access publications (since 1985) and patents resulting from NIH funding. PubMed is a free service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that lets you search millions of journal citations and abstracts in the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, and preclinical sciences. Where Can People Find More Information About Acne?

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Information Clearinghouse Website: If you need more information about available resources in your language or another language, please visit our website or contact the NIAMS Information Clearinghouse at NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov . Other Resource Website: Acknowledgments The NIAMS gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following individuals in preparation and review of the original version of this publication: Laurence H. Miller, M.D., Chevy Chase, MD; Kenneth A. Katz, M.D., M.Sc., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA; Edward W. Cowen, M.D., National Cancer Institute, NIH; and Alan Moshell, M.D., NIAMS/NIH. The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH), is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.

The NAIMS Information Clearinghouse is a public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. Additional information can be found on the NIAMS website at . For Your Information This publication contains information about medications used to treat the health condition discussed here. When this publication was developed, we included the most up-to-date (accurate) information available. Occasionally, new information on medication is released. For updates and for any questions about any medications you are taking, please contact U.S. Food and Drug Administration Toll free: 888-INFO-FDA (888-463-6332) Website: For additional information on specific medications, visit Drugs@FDA at . Drugs@FDA is a searchable catalog of FDA-approved drug products. For updates and questions about statistics, please contact Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics Toll free: 800-232-4636 Website: This publication is not copyrighted. Readers are encouraged to duplicate and distribute as many copies as needed. Additional copies of this publication are available from: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Information Clearinghouse

Question: What are you suffering from if you have inflamed sebaceous glands
Answer: Acne